Debenhams to open first stores in Australia and Gibraltar

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 8, 2016

UK department store Debenhams is entering into a new phase of expansion with plans to launch its first franchised stores in Australia and Gibraltar. 

A year after signing a deal with local market partner Pepkor, part of the Steinhoff Group, the retailer has announced it will open its first physical store in the Southern Hemisphere in September 2017. The store will be located in the prestigious St Collins Lane shopping centre in Melbourne, covering 3,600 sqm of space split over two levels.

Debenhams has also partnered with International Franchises Limited (IFL) - the company that run the local branch of BHS - to create two stores in Gibraltar. In addition to a dedicated Homes store opening in September this year on Main Street, the retailer plans to launch a Christmas pop-up shop in the International Commerce Centre while work on a new store is under way. Once the store redevelopment is completed, the company will open a permanent store carrying the full department store offer in February 2017.

Debenhams International Director, David Smith says: “International expansion is a strategic priority for Debenhams. We are delighted to be working with Pepkor on entering the Australian market and International Franchises Limited in Gibraltar.  By working with both partners we will introduce our unique mix of Designer and own brands to the regions. ”

Debenhams’ entry into the Gibraltar market is also a first for the brand and will complement online sales delivering to the region. As well as opening in former BHS sites, the partnership with IFL will secure the jobs of all employees formerly working in the stores.

The international multi-channel brand trades from more than 240 stories in 27 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.